26 June 2024 , 11:46
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The royal ladies pulled out all the stops to attend a State Dinner in honour of the Emperor and Empress of Japan on Tuesday.
The Queen, along with Duchess Sophie, the Duchess of Gloucester, and Empress Masaka, all donned glittering tiaras and incredible diamond jewels for the special event. But there was one accessory that set Camilla apart. She was the only British royal to wear King Charles III's new Royal Family Order.
The Royal Family Order is a special honour given to female members of the Royal Family. It is not automatic and is usually given after a number of years of service as a working royal, according to Gert's Royals.
Queen Camilla wore the King's new Family Order at the State Banquet (PA)
The delicate portrait is surrounded by diamonds weighing 10.41 carats (PA)The Order features a portrait of the King that was painted by Elizabeth Meek, based on a photograph taken last year by Hugo Burnand. It was painted on a synthetic plastic material called polymin, rather than ivory as they previously were.
The miniature, meanwhile, is ringed with diamonds weighing 10.41 carats, and hangs from a pale blue silk ribbon. According to Buckingham Palace, the ribbon was made by Philip Treacy, while the colour was personally selected by Charles, in a nod to the colour used by his great-grandfather, King George V.
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Following the Order's debut at the State Dinner, fans have questioned why Camilla was the only one to wear it - and why Duchess Sophie did not. Some suggested that it came down to hierarchy; once Kate returns to duty and has received hers, Sophie would then be given her Order. Others noted Princess Anne's absence might also have played a part.
However, the answer is likely far more practical. The ladies likely haven't yet received theirs due to the amount of time it takes to make each handcrafted piece, rather than hierarchy or favouritism.
It comes after royal watchers spotted Duchess Sophie paying a subtle tribute to Kate, who was unable to attend as she continues to receive cancer treatment.
The 59-year-old wore a beautiful deep green couture gown from Suzannah London, teamed with a magnificent array of dazzling diamond jewels, including the Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings and Necklace, on loan from her sister-in-law, .
Duchess Sophie made an elegant entrance at the Banquet (PA)She also chose to wear the Lotus Flower Tiara, known to be a favourite of , who was the last person to wear it, at the Diplomatic Corps reception in 2022. The Lotus Flower Tiara was made by the House of Garrard in 1923 for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. It was much loved by , and remains part of the royal family's jewellery collection.
The pearls and diamonds in the tiara were taken from a necklace that had gifted his wife for their wedding that same year. Notably, it's the first time that Sophie has worn the Lotus Flower Tiara publicly. She typically wears the Wessex Aquamarine Tiara, reportedly made for her by Collins & Sons.